The Enemy Within: A Short History of Witch-Hunting by John Demos

A concise history of fear and persecution

Good Condition – general cover and edge wear visible.

John Demos traces the history of witch-hunting from its European origins through colonial America and into the language of modern political life. He examines how communities identify supposed enemies within, how accusation spreads and why fear can overwhelm evidence and restraint. Drawing on historical cases, the book reveals the social pressures, religious beliefs and personal conflicts that shaped notorious persecutions. Clear and compact, it shows that the mechanisms behind a witch hunt are not confined to the distant past and remain relevant wherever suspicion becomes collective certainty.